Uric_acid
Uric acid
An organic compound of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen, with the formula C5H4N4O3
It is a minor end-product of nitrogen metabolism in the human body (the main product being urea), and is found in small amounts in urine. In other animals, such as birds and reptiles, it is the main end-product, and is excreted in faeces. The high nitrogen content of uric acid is the reason for guano being so valuable as a fertiliser in agriculture.
The disease gout in humans is associated with abnormal levels of uric acid in the system.